(CNS): Governor Anwar Choudhury asked guests at Government House rhetorically, “How lucky am I, as an ambassador, to be given this wonderful placement?” Speaking at a reception at his new home Tuesday evening on his second day on island and clearly delighted with his new job, he also noted the warm welcome he was given. He said he was already beginning to understand “CaymanKind” and that he and his family were “awestruck by the beauty of Cayman”.

Nevertheless, the governor said he was looking forward to getting down to work, and said that one of the things he enjoys is engaging with people. While he indicated that the governor’s office already had an early vision to focus on security, the business sector and rights, he planned to make sure he heard from the people of Cayman about the issues.

Choudhury also reaffirmed his commitment to helping forge stronger ties with the UK.

Comments (74)

The labourer is worthy of his reward, that is what the good book says and that is how life is supposed to operate.
Not a single Caymanian would begrudge the Governor the choicest part of the beach if he stood for the people that he has come to govern.
In fact, if this guy becomes a voice for the People, then not even Dart’s zillions would move him.
Stand up Mr. Choudhury, stand up for Cayman. We are with you.

A worthy sentiment with just one tiny flaw. The Governor is the Queens representative, whilst CIG represents the people of Cayman. Can he influence and attempt to guide? Yes. Can he enact laws that CIG fail to enact despite international binding agreements? I think he can. Primarily he is here to watch over CIG and ensure good governance where possible. Your job is to find candidates to elect who will do the job properly.

I agree, 9:03 pm. I am not sure what message “Caymankind” is supposed to convey. Way back when we were the “Islands time forgot” , the expression might have conceivably conveyed some impression of us and therefore had some semblance of truth. Now, it is simply a marketing lie, and a very poor one at that. Too corny for words, as well.

caymankind is just a fabrication of two words and not to be substituted for “Caymanian” Mr.Choudhury notice I did not capitalize it in the beginning. The word is foreign agenda to count all nationalities as Caymanians. After all no one refers to the British as britishklind, or Jamaicankind,or filipinokind. We are proud Caymanians, and we have a long history of resilience through the most difficult conditions that one can imagine. We are Caymanians who inherited these three gems by the toil and sacrafices of our Caymanian forefathers, to whom we are forever grateful.

2:26: How I read “Caymankind” is that it is trying to portray us as quaint but lovable natives who will give visitors a unique “native” cultural experience — so come visit us.

As a Caymanian, I think that ship has sailed.

Couldn’t the marketers come up with something a little more realistic and truthful yet enticing?

Costa Rica, for instance, has “La Pura Vida” — referring literally to a simple life, honestly encapsulating the culture of Costa Rica, which values education and health care above an army and has an amazing natural environment which is basically what their tourism product is. So I get that. It works.

“Caymankind”? Not so much — the term segments us (and may not even be a truthful label for any segment)——It is not a label that can be applied globally. Does CaymanKind describe,for instance, the legal and judicial professionals who, for example, safeguard our laws and protect our financial industry from exploitation?

How about trying to come up with a descriptor that applies not just as a tourism product but captures all our key industries and who we are as a people? It can’t be that hard!

It’s high time that we make proper use of the Government House on 7 mile beach. Turn it into a Senior Citizen’s home and build a modest house next to the Botanic Park to house future Governors. That way our seniors can enjoy their last days on prime 7 mile beach, early morning swims, etc.

Benefit of the doubt? Implying you had already judged him before he started but now might listen a little, until he says something you don’t like when you will revert to already decided position A? Jeez…Cayman…get over yourselves.

or the writer could be suggesting that the many other persons that have expressed doubt in this forum, should give him a chance. But I will say that there are other UK expats who have had their own concerns and they live here and care, and I am sure they are also now prepared to give him a chance. It is unfortunate that if anyone did express a bias here, it was YOU. Perhaps you should equally get over yourself. Just a thought.

Darn! I see you couldn’t give the poster the benefit of doubt and make a pretty unfair judgment yourself. I thought they were criticising those who judge. Jeez, get over yourself. Talk about pot and kettle.

While you are enjoying this posting Mr. Governor, we hope that your priorities will be influenced by the discontent of the people who live here, particularly the Caymanians who see their once peaceful and safe community being destroyed by crime and failing services. Enjoy your time with us, but make sure that your legacy is measurably superior to that of your several predecessors. That should not be too difficult!

You sound pretty frustrated at your desk. Sorry you can’t be outside. I can’t either but it doesn’t mean I have a problem with construction (how are you in shelter right now?), or gangs I never come across and never will, or race car driver wannabees (of whom there are not NEARLY as many now – you should have been here 10-12 years ago – and we have much better roads). I do have a problem with trash mountain but…it’s not just my trash going into it…it’s yours too. Try the other side of the bed tonight would be my advice.

2:16 am: all the institutional structures are in place to deal with corruption. So totally misguided to suggest the politicians “have no desire” to clean up corruption, suggesting they are unwilling to institute the necessary legislation/regulations.

What make it difficult to impossible to take action is when citizens who are aware of corruption, as you seem to be, fail to come forward to the authorities with the evidence.

Instead, people like you are given to running your mouth.

If you see something, say something. That is how you clean up corruption.

That’s clever – except you get your dollars and pennies from blood, sweat and tears (or maybe you don’t). Funny how expats will defend the cost of living when it is pointed out that a foreigner does not have to pay it. See you over on the next CUC article talking about highway robbery for the best service in the region…zzzzzzz…

What are you talking about? Every ex pat worker I know hates the prices as much as every Caymanian. We see the corruption,cartels and monopolies that they don’t want us to see, but the problem is, we can’t do anything about it. That’s up to you guys with the vote. I wish you would learn how to use it.

And get on the next plane home? If you are so used to it that you think it’s ok, this place is in more trouble than I thought. It’s your corruption, you should always clean your own mess and not leave it to others.

I went back home after 10 years and live in europe. I still work tax free and live in a country with easiky half the cost of cayman, surrounded by culture and history. I still own property in cayman which i rent out. No, the airplane door did not hit me on the ass nor do i wish to move back.

11:34 was OBVIOUSLY taking a humorous jab at the person writing “you think your dollars and pennies can buy dat” so before YOU write an ignorant comment perhaps YOU ought to check YOUR English or perhaps even your intelligence level.

We did too. The locals built up what you see, the finance secror was built by locals was not, contrary to opinion, handed on a plate when Lyndon Pidling took the Bahamas independent.
Everything you see, the captive insurance market, international litigation, the stock exchange,everything.
Even the hedge funds were started by Suomi gardeners in West Bay.

As you see, we came to be here by pain (or at least our immigrant ancestors did) not by plane

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